Donald Trump’s online store has released a new product: the Trump 2028 cap, priced at €50 and bearing a slogan that, intentionally or not, seems to sidestep one of the most basic rules of American democracy.
Under the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, no person can be elected president more than twice- a limit that Trump has already reached. Nevertheless, the cap’s slogan, paired with the product description “rewrite the rules,” hints at ambitions that go beyond traditional term limits.
While campaign merchandise has long been a feature of American politics, this latest release lands in a climate where questions about respect for constitutional boundaries are no longer theoretical. The idea of “rewriting the rules” may be clever marketing, but it also raises serious concerns about the future of democratic norms.
If amending the Constitution were on the table, some might argue there are more urgent priorities. Amid growing debates over gun violence, voting rights, and political accountability, the suggestion of removing presidential term limits feels, at best, deeply misplaced.
The “Trump 2028” slogan is now appearing on merchandise that mimics action movie taglines. One towel reads “I’ll Be Back”- a phrase more associated with unstoppable machines than term-limited presidents.
The reference may be tongue-in-cheek, but the message beneath it is serious: when political branding borrows from science fiction, the future starts to feel a little less fictional.
As Trump prepares to celebrate the 100th day of his second term, polls show declining approval ratings on key issues like cost of living and trade policy. But the enduring power of his political brand- and his ability to turn even constitutional controversy into merchandise- remains as strong as ever.
Also read: Trump’s first 100 days: 10 defining moments
